Farmers Demand Resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar Ahead of Rally

In a significant move ahead of a farmers' rally scheduled for October 23, 2026, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has formally requested President Droupadi Murmu to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The coalition accuses Kumar of breaching his constitutional duties, asserting that he should face prosecution for his actions concerning the electoral rolls.

The memorandum directed to the President outlines several key demands, including the annulment of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which farmers argue has disenfranchised many citizens without adequate transparency. The SKM is also advocating for the restoration of voting rights for those whose names have been removed from the electoral lists. Additionally, they are calling for amendments to the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act of 2023, proposing that the Chief Justice of India should be included in the selection panel instead of a minister appointed by the Prime Minister.

The SKM's memorandum criticizes Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly shielding Kumar, claiming that the CEC's actions have primarily benefited the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by removing legitimate voters from the rolls. The farmers emphasize that any changes to electoral regulations must be sanctioned by Parliament, warning that without such action, the Prime Minister cannot resolve the ongoing constitutional crisis regarding Kumar's position. They also demand the immediate reversal of a Delhi Police order that has reclassified Jantar Mantar, a traditional protest site, as unavailable for peaceful demonstrations.

Support for the farmers' movement is broad, with various trade unions and civil society groups expressing solidarity. The All India Coordination Committee of People Against SIR has highlighted that the disenfranchisement affects a wide array of societal groups, including workers, students, and marginalized communities. They plan to hold a peaceful protest, which they describe as a 'People’s Parliament', to reaffirm their commitment to democratic rights and culminate the event with the National Anthem.

Elamaram Kareem, general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, has voiced concerns that the disenfranchisement linked to the SIR could strip workers of their social security benefits and other government entitlements. He emphasized that abolishing the SIR is crucial for safeguarding workers' rights and ensuring their access to social welfare programs. As the rally approaches, the farmers' coalition is determined to mobilize support and reclaim their democratic rights.